Nevada County picayune., 1887-01-12
NY H0RRIBLB FRIEND.
Atlanta Cun-titusion.I

Iiornla Is mystery. The quaint Spanish fashions of the old city in tcrested me, and l found it difficult to tear myself away.
 When I was ready to leave my brief sojourn in the country had Inspired me with so much con tidence that l eagerly embraced the suggestion of my landioard to cross the lsthmus on horseback.
 Take 1t leisurely," he said; "fol. low the old transit road, II touch. es various points along tine canal. \ lou can make the journey in a couple of days, and you will not mind spending a night in one oi De Lesseps' villages"
 Now, tire canal was pet hobby of mine. 1 was anxious to see how it was progressing. Besides, l had an American friend who was one of the contractors, and l wanted to pay him visit.
 The next morning l mounted a gentle mustang, furnished by my host, and set out for Aspinwall. the Atlantic port where l intended 10 take the steamer fJr New York As l wished 10 reach the camp of my friend Jackson by midday rode rapidly during the morning. It was the least interesting part oi my route. and there was no in- ducements to tarry on the way. 1 passed plantations of rice. indigo and coffee. Here and there a stray cotton field reminded me of home. but the mahogany colored laborers. all of them stripped to lheir waist had such a savage look that l did not feel disposed to barley with them. OcrasSionally'l passed one of the douS. as the large planters are called by their mongrel ten ants, aud with these gentlemeu l got along very well. These Span. ish tentral Americans have all the naughty dignity If their Castihan ancestors, mingled with a sweet courtesy to strangers that is inde- >crioablY fascinating to a traveller jN strange laad,
 More than oAe plantet engaged he in brief conversation and pressed me 10 stop at his hacienda, assuring me that all he had, his servants and hols lu- cluded, were at my disposal. Knowing this tc be simply the per lunctOry politeness of the Spaniard. declined these invitations and kept straight on, always followed by the parting words:
 May all the saints go with you"
 At one place the road ran along in sight of the canal for half a mile Here l saw a scene not to be matched any where on earth. Enormous machines were al work excavating thousands of tons of dirt, and countless wagons were employed removing the loose earth. Myriads of wOrkmen swarmed ev- erywhere, jabbering to each other in all the ougues of the known world. Among them were men from all the countries Cf Europe. Americans, Africans. Cmnamen West Indians and Malsys. The fierce look cast upon me by these people alarmed me, but pretended to be calm spectator of the ami mated scene. One of the coutrac- tors was an Englishman, and from him learded that wonld find Jackson about five miles further on.
 Are you armeds" asked the En- gishman.
 told him that l had revolver.
 "You will probably need it be- fore you reach Aspiuwall," said he "You are passing throngh 30,00O of the hloodiest .throats that were ever collected togetler.N
 After hearing this had d great mind to return to Panama, but the Gtead of beng laughed at made me decide 10 puSh on. Assuming 6 determined, business like look ', put spurs to my mustang and amhled through the motley gangs ui lahorers until had the satisfac ton of leaving them behind me Fortunately encountered no ob- stacle, and JacAson's camp was u ade just in time for dinner.
 Here felt safe. Jackson was a big double listed fellow, whose